RDMS - AB - RDMS - Abdomen

The Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) Abdomen (AB) credential is granted by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

The RDMS-AB is designed to certify healthcare providers in the field of diagnostic sonograms. The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) offers this certification to doctors, nurses, and other professionals who perform abdominal sonograms to detect or rule out medical conditions. The RDMS-AB certification requires education and clinical experience in the medical field, with a strong background in anatomy and physiology, disease processes, and use of ultrasound equipment.

Cost

Exam fee - $250, includes processing fee $100 (non-refundable)

Exam fee effective April 4, 2023 - $275

There is an additional $50 non-refundable fee if you schedule your exam outside of the United States, Canada or Mexico.

Test Format:

Candidates must pass two exams for this certification.

1. The Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) Examination 

2. The RDMS Abdomen Specialty Examination 

RDMS-AB candidates must pass both exams within five calendar years of each other. 

The SPI exam is two hours and is multiple choice. Scores for the exam range from 300 to 700. To pass, candidates need to score at least 555. 

The AB exam is three hours and contains approximately 170 multiple-choice questions, including hotspot (point-and-click type) questions. 

Results

After testing, it may take up to one hour to receive email instructions on accessing your results.

Apply online at MY ARDMS

Prerequisites:

1. Graduation from a 2-year allied health program and proof of 1,680 clinical hours

2. Graduation from or enrollment in an accredited diagnostic sonography program

3. A bachelor’s degree (any major) with 1,680 clinical hours of ultrasound experience

4. Physician, MD, DO, or MBBS with 500 clinical studies or cases completed over SOC months

Applications are online. Within ten days of applying, applicants will receive an email approval to schedule their exam, denial, or a request for additional documentation. 

If a candidate fails the examination, they may reapply after three days and retest after 60 days.

RDMS renewal costs $95 annually. Renewal due on December 31, 2022.

First reinstatement opportunity:

• $95 renewal fee + $150 administrative fee.

• Must be completed by February 28, 2023.

Final reinstatement opportunity:

• $95 renewal fee + $300 administrative fee.

• Must be completed by August 1, 2023.

RDMS-AB requires 30 Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours every three years to maintain certification.

The ARDMS offers resources for exam candidates, including:

• Content Outline

• Application Checklist

Practice exam can be purchased through your MY ARDMS account (Cost: $35, effective April 4, 2023 cost will increase to $45).

The ARDMS also offers the following certifications:

• RDMS - Musculoskeletal Sonography (RDMS-RMSKS)

• RDMS - Breast (BR)

• RDMS - Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)

• RDMS - Pediatric Sonography (PS)

• Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)